Endoscopy systems

ABSTRACT

Preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy by providing the endoscope insertion assembly including an endoscope insertion tube operative for passage through a body cavity, and an optical assembly operative for inspection of said body cavity, and selectably inserting the optical assembly within said endoscope insertion tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/307,271, which is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C.371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/IL2007/000832, which has aninternational filing date of Jul. 4, 2007, and which claims priorityfrom U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/818,505, filed Jul. 6,2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

Reference is made to applicant's copending PCT Application No.PCT/IL2005/000152, filed Feb. 7, 2005, and PCT Application No.PCT/IL2005/000849, filed Aug. 8, 2005, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to endoscope systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following patent publications are believed to represent the currentstate of the art:

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,501; 5,876,329; and 6,485,409.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention an endoscope insertion assembly for performingendoscopy, including an endoscope insertion tube operative for passagethrough a body cavity, and an optical assembly operative for inspectionof the body cavity, the optical assembly being selectably insertablewithin the endoscope insertion tube.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theoptical assembly is selectably detachable from the endoscope insertiontube. Preferably, the endoscope insertion assembly includes a couplingelement operative for engaging the optical assembly with the endoscopeinsertion tube. Additionally, the endoscope insertion tube and thecoupling element are operative to isolate the optical assembly fromfluids external to the endoscope insertion assembly.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present inventionthe coupling element includes an optical window adapted for inspectionby the optical assembly therethrough. Preferably, the endoscopeinsertion assembly includes a pulling element operative for selectablyinserting the optical assembly within the endoscope insertion tube.Additionally, the pulling element is detachably engaged with thecoupling element for selectable detachment therefrom.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the endoscope insertion assembly includes a mechanical stopperoperative to prevent the optical assembly from being pulled out andfrontward of the endoscope insertion tube. Preferably, the endoscopeinsertion tube further includes an instrument channel. Additionally, theendoscope insertion tube is a flexible endoscope insertion tube.

In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the endoscope insertion tube is generally fluid impermeable.

There is thus provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention an endoscope insertion assembly for performingendoscopy, including an endoscope insertion tube for passage through abody cavity, and an optical assembly for inspection of the body cavity,the optical assembly being selectably removable from the endoscopeinsertion tube. Additionally, the optical assembly is selectablyinsertable within the endoscope insertion tube.

There is thus provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a method for preparing an endoscopeinsertion assembly for performing endoscopy, including providing theendoscope insertion assembly including an endoscope insertion tubeoperative for passage through a body cavity, and an optical assemblyoperative for inspection of the body cavity, and selectably insertingthe optical assembly within the endoscope insertion tube.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention themethod includes inspecting the body cavity employing the endoscopeinsertion assembly. Additionally, the method includes removing theoptical assembly from the endoscope insertion tube following theinspection. Preferably, the method includes engaging the opticalassembly with the endoscope insertion tube by employing a couplingelement.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present inventioninspecting the body cavity is performed via an optical window.Preferably, the method includes isolating the optical assembly fromfluids external to the endoscope insertion assembly. Additionally,inserting is performed by a pulling element operative for selectablyinserting the optical assembly within the endoscope insertion tube.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the pulling element is detachably engaged with the couplingelement for selectable detachment therefrom. Preferably, the methodincludes preventing the optical assembly from being pulled out andfrontward of the endoscope insertion tube by employing a mechanicalstopper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be best understood and appreciated from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawingsin which:

FIGS. 1A-1E are a simplified pictorial illustration of an opticalassembly of an endoscopy system, a simplified side view illustration, asimplified front view illustration, a simplified sectional illustrationtaken along lines ID-ID in FIG. 1C and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines IE-IE in FIG. 1C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 2A-2D are a simplified pictorial illustration of a couplingelement of an endoscopy system, a simplified side view illustration, asimplified front view illustration and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines IID-IID in FIG. 2C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 3A-3F are a simplified pictorial illustration of a pulling elementof an endoscopy system, a simplified top view illustration, a simplifiedfront view illustration, a simplified back view illustration, asimplified side view illustration and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines IIIF-IIIF in FIG. 3C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 4A-4E are a simplified pictorial illustration of an endoscopeinsertion tube of an endoscopy system, a simplified side viewillustration, a simplified front view illustration, a simplifiedsectional illustration taken along lines IVD-IVD in FIG. 4C and asimplified sectional illustration taken along lines IVE-IVE in FIG. 4C,respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5E are a simplified pictorial illustration of the endoscopeinsertion tube of FIGS. 4A-4E engaged with the coupling element of FIGS.2A-2D and the pulling element of FIGS. 3A-3F, a simplified top viewillustration, a simplified front view illustration, a simplified sideview illustration and a simplified sectional illustration taken alonglines VE-VE in FIG. 5C, respectively, constructed and operative inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6F are a simplified operational illustration of the endoscopeinsertion tube mounted on the coupling element and the pulling element,as shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, and the optical assembly of FIGS. 1A-1E at aninitial advancing stage, a simplified top view illustration, asimplified front view illustration, a simplified side view illustration,a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines VIE-VIE in FIG. 6Cand a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines VIF-VIF inFIG. 6C, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7F are a simplified operational illustration of the endoscopeinsertion tube, the coupling element, the pulling element and theoptical assembly of FIGS. 6A-6F at an intermediate advancing stage, asimplified top view illustration, a simplified front view illustration,a simplified side view illustration, a simplified sectional illustrationtaken along lines VIIE-VIIE in FIG. 7C and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines VIIF-VIIF in FIG. 7C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8A-8F are a simplified operational illustration of the endoscopeinsertion tube, the coupling element, the pulling element and theoptical assembly of FIGS. 7A-7F at a final advancing stage, a simplifiedtop view illustration, a simplified front view illustration, asimplified side view illustration, a simplified sectional illustrationtaken along lines VIIIE-VIIIE in FIG. 8C and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines VIIIF-VIIIF in FIG. 8C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 9A-9F are a simplified operational illustration of the pullingelement disengaged from the endoscope insertion tube, the couplingelement and the optical assembly of FIGS. 8A-8F, a simplified top viewillustration, a simplified front view illustration, a simplified sideview illustration, a simplified sectional illustration taken along linesIXE-IXE in FIG. 9C and a simplified sectional illustration taken alonglines IXF-IXF in FIG. 9C, respectively, constructed and operative inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10E are a simplified operational illustration of the endoscopeinsertion tube, the coupling element and the optical assembly of FIGS.9A-9F, a simplified front view illustration, a simplified side viewillustration, a simplified sectional illustration taken along linesXD-XD in FIG. 10B and a simplified sectional illustration taken alonglines XE-XE in FIG. 10B, respectively, constructed and operative inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11E are a simplified operational illustration of the endoscopeinsertion tube disengaged from the coupling element and the opticalassembly of FIGS. 10A-10E, a simplified front view illustration, asimplified side view illustration, a simplified sectional illustrationtaken along lines XID-XID in FIG. 11B and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines XIE-XIE in FIG. 11B, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 12A-12E are a simplified operational illustration of the couplingelement disengaged from the optical assembly of FIGS. 11A-11E, asimplified front view illustration, a simplified side view illustration,a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines XIID-XIID in FIG.12B and a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines XIIE-XIIEin FIG. 12B, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms “endoscope” and “endoscopy” are used throughout in a mannersomewhat broader than their customary meaning and refer to apparatus andmethods which operate within body cavities, passageways and the like,such as, for example, the small intestine, the large intestine, arteriesand veins. Although these terms normally refer to visual inspection, asused herein, they are not limited to applications which employ visualinspection and refer as well to apparatus, systems and methods whichneed not necessarily involve visual inspection.

The term “distal” refers to the remote end of an endoscope, accessory ortool furthest from the operator.

The term “proximal” refers to the end portion of an endoscope, accessoryor tool closest to the operator, typically outside an organ or bodyportion of interest.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1E, which are a simplified pictorialillustration of an optical assembly of an endoscopy system, a simplifiedside view illustration, a simplified front view illustration, asimplified sectional illustration taken along lines ID-ID in FIG. 1C anda simplified sectional illustration taken along lines IE-IE in FIG. 1C,respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 1A-1E an optical assembly 100comprises optical elements that may include active and passive opticalelements. The optical elements may include detection means 102 for lightand/or image detection and illumination means 104.

The detection means 102 may be one or more of a Charged Coupled Device(CCD), a CMOS detector, array of optical fibers, a light guide or otherdetection means such as detection means used in standard endoscopy orother optical imaging systems. The illumination means 104 may be one ormore of a Light Emitting Diode (LED), fiber optic illumination using onefiber or a bundle of fibers, a laser diode, or other means of opticalillumination. Passive optical components that may be included in theoptical assembly 100, and in particularly included in the detectionmeans 102 and/or in the illumination means 104, may include any opticalcomponent, such as lenses, windows, mirrors, optical stops, andopto-mechanical assemblies with a plurality of optical components.

As seen in FIGS. 1D and 1E, data conduits 106 extend from the detectionmeans 102 and illumination conduits 108 extend from the illuminationmeans 104. The data conduits 106 of the detection means 102 may includemeans for operating the detection means 102 such as electrical wires foroperating voltage and synchronization signals, and may also includewires for delivery of data detected from the signals, such as electricalwires for data transfer, or fibers for light detection, and may alsoinclude other conduits required to deliver the data to and from thedetection means 102. The data conduits may also include means forelectrical noise reduction and mechanical and electrical durability. Theillumination conduits 108 of the illumination means 104 may includeelectrical wires for control and operation of the light source as in thecase of a LED or a laser diode, or optical fibers for transmission oflight, or a light guide, or any other means of operating and emittinglight from the illumination means 104.

Both the data conduits 106 and the illumination conduits 108 may alsoinclude means for electrical noise reduction, temperature management,mechanical and electrical durability and other means generally requiredfor electrical and mechanical components and conduits. The detectionmeans 102 may be a conventional CCD such as a

FTF2020M CCD commercially available from Dalsa Corporation, of 605McMurray Rd., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The illumination means 104 maybe a conventional LED, such as a L3-W34N-BR LED commercially availablefrom Sloan AG of Basle, Switzerland.

Data conduits 106 and illumination conduits 108 may connect to aconventional endoscopy console (not shown) at respective end portions110 and 112 thereof, via a console interface or a dedicated interface(not shown), as well known in the art. The endoscopy console mayinclude, for example, a CV-100 video system center, a CLV-U20 lightsource, a SONY PVM-2030 video monitor, and an OFP flushing pump, allcommercially available from Olympus America Inc. of 2 Corporate CenterDrive, Melville, N.Y. 11747, USA, or a EPK-1000 video processor and aSONY LMD-2140MD medical grade flat panel LCD monitor, all commerciallyavailable from Pentax Europe GmbH, 104 Julius-Vosseler St., 22527Hamburg, Germany.

It is noted that a single illumination means 104 or multiplicity ofillumination means 104 may be employed. Additionally, a multiplicity ofdetection means 102 may be employed.

Data conduits 106 and illumination conduits 108 may be enclosed within agenerally cylindrical housing 120 operative to enclose electrical wires106 and light guide 108. Housing 120 may be constructed of a thin andflexible material, such as a thin TEFLON®, silicone, or PVC tube,thereby providing flexibility and bendability to optical assembly 100,as will be further described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6A-12E.Housing 120 may be further operative to electrically shield electricalwires 106 and light guide 108. Housing 120 may be formed of a metallicshielding wire mesh, such as a Medical Braiding product manufactured byNew England Catheter Corporation, of 130 North Main Street, Lisbon,N.H., USA, or Clear Braided PVC Tubing (catalog number 8601)manufactured by Capital Rubber Corporation, of 701 Frontier Way,Bensenville, Ill., USA. Housing 120 may be operative to enhance rigidityof optical assembly 100 so as to allow optical assembly 100 to be pulledand be selectively positioned within an endoscope insertion tube as willbe further described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6A-12E.

A generally cylindrical enclosing element 122 may extend from an endportion 124 of housing 120. Enclosing element 122 is operative to encasedetection means 102 and illumination means 104, to protect detectionmeans 102 and illumination means 104 from an environment external to theoptical assembly 100 and to allow positioning of the optical assembly100 within an endoscope insertion tube, as will be further describedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6A-12E.

A generally circumferential protrusion 126 protrudes from an externalsurface 128 of enclosing element 122 and is provided to fit within acoupling element, as will be further described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 6A-12E. Enclosing element 122 may be, for example,formed of a rigid plastic, such as molded polycarbonate, or any anotherrigid material. Additionally, enclosing element 122 may be dye-castaround detection means 102 and illumination means 104, typically, byusing an epoxy adhesive or any other suitable material.

It is appreciated that optical assembly 100 may be a single-usedisposable optical assembly, or a multiple-use optical assembly.

Reference in now made to FIGS. 2A-2D, which are a simplified pictorialillustration of a coupling element of an endoscopy system, a simplifiedside view illustration, a simplified front view illustration and asimplified sectional illustration taken along lines IID-IID in FIG. 2C,respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 2A-2D a coupling element 150is formed of a ring 152. A generally circumferential internal recess 154extends along an internal surface 156 of a bore 158 defined by ring 152.Recess 154 may be provided to fit within protrusion 126 of opticalassembly 100, as will be further described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 6A-12E.

A generally circumferential recess 160 extends along an external surface164 of ring 152 and may be provided to fit within an endoscope insertiontube as will be further described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.8A-12E. On an end portion 166 of ring 152 is defined an external surface168 adjacent to an end portion 170.

End portion 170 extends from ring 152 and defines a protrusion 172 witha generally triangular cross-section circumferentially extending alongan external surface 174 of end portion 170. End portion 170 andprotrusion 172 are provided to fit within a pulling element so as toallow tight engagement of coupling element 150 with the pulling elementbut to an extent that pulling element may be disengaged from couplingelement 150 by selective exertion of force thereon, as will be furtherdescribed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A-12E.

A wall 176 encloses end portion 170 and may be provided to function asan optical window so as to allow optical communication of detectionmeans 102 and illumination means 104 or any other optical devicecomprised in optical assembly 100, with an environment external tooptical assembly 100 during operation, such as in vivo inspection of thegastro-intestinal tract, or other endoscopic procedures.

Wall 176 may be further provided to insulate optical assembly 100, andin particular, detection means 102 and illumination means 104 or anyother optical device comprised in optical assembly 100, from anenvironment external to optical assembly 100. Wall 176 may be formed ofany suitable material, such as a thin optically transparent glass or aplastic disc adhered to end portion 170 of coupling element 150.Alternatively, wall 176 may be formed as an integral part of couplingelement 150, such as by forming coupling element 150 and wall 176 byoptical injection molding of an optically transparent plastic, such astransparent polycarbonate, for example, or any other suitable material.

It is appreciated that coupling element 150 may be a single-usedisposable coupling element, or a multi-use coupling element.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3F, which are a simplified pictorialillustration of a pulling element of an endoscopy system, a simplifiedtop view illustration, a simplified front view illustration, asimplified back view illustration, a simplified side view illustrationand a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines IIIF-IIIF inFIG. 3C, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 3A-3F, pulling element 200 is comprised of a baseportion 202. Base portion 202 is of a generally disc-like shape and isoperative to couple with coupling element 150. Extending from baseportion is a pulling wire 204, which is attached to a ring 210 at anopposite side of base portion 202. Ring 210 is provided to aid inpulling and advancing the pulling element 200 when coupled with theoptical assembly 100 through coupling element 150, as will be furtherdescribed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 6A-12E.

A generally circumferential aperture 220 is defined on a bottom surface222 of base portion 202 so as to allow pulling element 200 to engagewith coupling element 150 and optical assembly 100. An internal surface224 is defined by aperture 220 within base portion 202.

Base portion 202 may be formed of any suitable material, such as anysuitable metal or any suitable hard plastic, which may beinjection-molded. Pulling wire 204 may be formed of flexiblestainless-steel so as to provide high flexibility and bendability andenhanced pulling strength for pulling optical assembly 100 and couplingelement 150 along a passageway in an endoscope insertion tube, as willbe further described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 4A-4E and FIGS.6A-12E. A highly flexible and bendable pulling wire 204 with substantialpulling strength is operative to be employed with a relatively longendoscope of an endoscope insertion tube (FIGS. 4A-4E), such as forgastrointestinal endoscopy, and which endoscope may be packed when notin use by being folded. Therefore a flexible pulling wire is preferablyemployed.

Alternatively, pulling wire 204 may be formed of a rigid material andmay be employed with relatively short endoscopes.

Base portion 202 may be attached to pulling wire 204 by any suitablemeans, such as by being molded together, typically by insert-molding,whereas pulling wire 204 is inserted in a molding dye of base portion202 prior to injection.

Base portion 202 and pulling wire 204 may be replaced by a tube (notshown) inserted within end portion 170 of coupling element 150 and fixedthereto by tight mounting of tube on protrusion 172 of coupling element150. It is appreciated that pulling element 200 may be a single-usedisposable pulling element, or a multiple-use pulling element.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4E, which are a simplified pictorialillustration of an endoscope insertion tube of an endoscopy system, asimplified side view illustration, a simplified front view illustration,a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines IVD-IVD in FIG. 4Cand a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines IVE-IVE inFIG. 4C, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIGS. 4A-4E, anendoscope insertion tube 250 is comprised of a tube portion 252 with agenerally ellipsoid-like shaped cross section. A passageway 254 isdefined within a central lumen 256 of tube portion 252. A ring portion260 extends from an end portion 262 of tube portion 252. On an internalsurface 270 of a bore 272 defined within ring portion 260 is defined agenerally circumferential recess 274.

Recess 274 may be provided to allow an O-ring 276 to be seated therein.O-ring 276 is provided to tightly engage endoscope insertion tube 250with coupling element 150 by being partially seated within recess 274 ofendoscope insertion tube 250 and partially seated within correspondingrecess 160 of coupling element 150 (FIGS. 8E, 8F, 9E and 9F). O-ring 276is preferably provided so as to allow tight engagement of couplingelement 150 with endoscope insertion tube 250 but to an extent thatendoscope insertion tube 250 may be disengaged from coupling element 150by selective exertion of force on coupling element 150, as will befurther described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 8A-10E. O-ring 276may be operative to seal optical assembly 100 and insulate opticalassembly 100 from an environment external to optical assembly 100, whichenvironment may be a fluidic environment. A generally circumferentialprotrusion 280 protrudes from internal surface 270 of bore 272 and maybe provided to operate as a mechanical stopper of the coupling element150, as will be further described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS.8A-9F.

A first throughgoing lumen 282 defined within ring portion 260 and tubeportion 252 may operate as an accessory instrument channel 284.Instrument channel 284 may be provided for insertion of endoscopyaccessories such as biopsy forceps, injection needles, polyp cutters,and any other endoscopy accessories as well known in the art.

Accessory instrument channel 284 may also be used for suction, as wellknown in the art A second throughgoing lumen 292 defined within ringportion 260 and tube portion 252 may operate as a channel 294 operativefor water rinsing and air inflation, such as for intestinal insufflationforward of the endoscope, as common in endoscopy systems.

It is appreciated that ring portion 260 and tube portion 252 may assumeany suitable cross sectional shape, and may comprise a multiplicity oflumens of various cross sections.

It is appreciated that a cross section of endoscope insertion tube 250,and specifically the cross sections of ring portion 260 and tube portion252, may be of a circular shape or any other appropriate shape.

It is appreciated that endoscope insertion tube 250 may be a single-usedisposable endoscope insertion tube, or a multiple-use endoscopeinsertion tube.

It is appreciated that the outer surface of endoscope insertion tube 250is generally fluid impermeable, thereby preventing fluid passagetherethrough and preventing contamination of bore 272 and opticalassembly 100 when located therein, such as during endoscopic operationwithin a patient body, for example, as will be further describe withreference to FIGS. 7A-9F.

It is appreciated that endoscope insertion tube 250 may includeadditional components, channels and utilities as needed for performingan endoscopic procedure, such as steering wires or other steeringassemblies (not shown) for steering the endoscope insertion tube withina body cavity or bending its distal tip portion, as well known in theart. Endoscope insertion tube 250 may further include an inflatableballoon at its distal portion, for example, to allow anchoring ofendoscope insertion tube 250 to the internal walls of an inspectedorgan, such as the intestines, as described in detail in the abovementioned PCT patent applications PCT/IL2005/000152 andPCT/IL2005/000849 which are hereby incorporated by reference.

It is noted that the body cavity may include any body cavity, such as,for example, a cavity of the large intestine, the small intestine, thestomach, veins, arteries the urinal tract and the bronchi.

It is further appreciated that endoscope insertion tube may be flexibleor rigid.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5E, which are a simplified pictorialillustration of the endoscope insertion tube of FIGS. 4A-4E engaged withthe coupling element of FIGS. 2A-2D and the pulling element of FIGS.3A-3F, a simplified top view illustration, a simplified front viewillustration, a simplified side view illustration and a simplifiedsectional illustration taken along lines VE-VE in FIG. 5C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

As seen in FIGS. 5A-5E, the pulling wire 204 of pulling element 200 isat least partially inserted within the lumen 256 of tube portion 252 andbore 272 of ring portion 260 of the endoscope insertion tube 250.Preparation of an endoscope insertion assembly, inter alia, by insertionof pulling element 200 within endoscope insertion tube may be performedby any suitable manner, typically by manual insertion performed by anoperator or by a production assembly worker, for example. End portion170 of coupling element 150 is inserted within aperture 220 of baseportion 202 of pulling element 200 and is secured within aperture 220 byprotrusion 172 of coupling element 150. Protrusion 172 rests againstinternal surface 224 of base portion 202 and may operate as a mechanicalstopper to prevent inadvertent detachment of pulling element 200 fromcoupling element 150. Pulling element 200 is provided for selectablyinserting optical assembly 100 within endoscope insertion tube 250.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6F, which are a simplified operationalillustration of the endoscope insertion tube mounted on the couplingelement and the pulling element, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, and theoptical assembly of FIGS. 1A-1E at an initial advancing stage, asimplified top view illustration, a simplified front view illustration,a simplified side view illustration, a simplified sectional illustrationtaken along lines VIE-VIE in FIG. 6C and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines VIF-VIF in FIG. 6C, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

As seen in FIGS. 6A-6F optical assembly 100 is coupled to pullingelement 200 via coupling element 150 and pulling element 200 isdetachably engaged with coupling element 150 for selectable detachmenttherefrom. Protrusion 126 of optical assembly 100 is seated withininternal recess 154 of coupling element 150 so as to secure fitting ofoptical assembly 100 to coupling element 150. Pulling element 150 isoperative to pull and advance optical assembly 100 within endoscopeinsertion tube 250 in a frontward direction, as indicated by an arrow300, so as to position wall 176 of coupling element 150 in proximity toa front surface 301 of endoscope insertion tube 250, as will be furtherdescribed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 8A-9F.

FIGS. 6A-6F show an initial operational stage prior to insertion ofoptical assembly 100 within endoscope insertion tube 250.

Optical assembly 100 is provided to be selectably insertable withinpassageway 254 of tube portion 252 and bore 272 of ring portion 260 ofendoscope insertion tube 250 (FIGS. 7A-9F) during endoscopic operationso as to aid in performance of endoscopy, such as visual inspectionwithin body cavities, passageways and the like, by means of the opticaldevices, such as the detection means 102 and the illumination means 104comprised in optical assembly 100.

As seen in FIGS. 7A-9F, optical assembly 100 may be inserted withinendoscope insertion tube 250 prior to endoscopic operation, by aid ofcoupling element 150 and pulling element 200, and may be extracted fromendoscope insertion tube 250 following endoscopic operation, as seen inFIGS. 10A-12D.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that endoscopeinsertion tube 250 may be provided for one-time use during a singleendoscopic operation and may be discarded following the singleendoscopic operation. Optical assembly 100 may be employed in amultiplicity of endoscopic operations and therefore may be selectablyinserted within endoscope insertion tube 250, prior to the endoscopicoperation, and selectably detached, removed or extracted from endoscopeinsertion tube 250, following the endoscopic operation, so as to beemployed in future endoscopic operations. This feature may be employed,for example, for eliminating the cleaning and/or sterilization ofendoscope insertion tube 250 after an endoscopic operation, and/orwhereas endoscope insertion tube 250 is generally inexpensive incomparison with optical assembly 100, which is generally costly.

Alternatively, optical assembly 100 may be provided for one-time useduring a single endoscopic operation and may be discarded following thesingle endoscopic operation. Endoscope insertion tube 250 may beemployed in a multiplicity of endoscopic operations and therefore a newoptical assembly 100 may be inserted within endoscope insertion tube 50,prior to the endoscopic operation, and extracted from endoscopeinsertion tube 250, following the endoscopic operation. It isappreciated that in such a case endoscope insertion tube 250 may beoperative to withstand cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizationprocesses.

Single use of endoscope insertion tube 250 may enhance sterility of theendoscopic operation by providing a new, sterile endoscope insertiontube 250 to perform each endoscopic operation, thus obviating the needto reuse the endoscope insertion tube 250, which may come within directcontact with body cavities, passageways and the like during endoscopicoperation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-7F, which are a simplified operationalillustration of the endoscope insertion tube, the coupling element, thepulling element and the optical assembly of FIGS. 6A-6F at anintermediate advancing stage, a simplified top view illustration, asimplified front view illustration, a simplified side view illustration,a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines VIIE-VIIE in FIG.7C and a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines VIIF-VIIFin FIG. 7C, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

In FIGS. 7A-7F pulling element 200 is shown to have partially advancedand position coupling element 150 and optical assembly 100 within tubeportion 252 of endoscope insertion tube 250.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8F, which are a simplified operationalillustration of the endoscope insertion tube, the coupling element, thepulling element and the optical assembly of FIGS. 7A-7F at a finaladvancing stage, a simplified top view illustration, a simplified frontview illustration, a simplified side view illustration, a simplifiedsectional illustration taken along lines VIIIE-VIIIE in FIG. 8C and asimplified sectional illustration taken along lines VIIIF-VIIIF in FIG.8C, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

In FIGS. 8A-8F pulling element 200 is shown to have advanced andposition coupling element 150 partially within bore 272 of ring portion260 of endoscope insertion tube 250. Ring 152 of coupling element 150 istightly engaged with ring portion 260 of endoscope insertion tube 250 byO-ring 276, which is partially seated within recess 274 of ring portion260 and partially seated within corresponding recess 160 of ring 152.Positioning of coupling element 150 within endoscope insertion tube 250is aided by protrusion 280 of endoscope insertion tube 250, whichprotrusion rests up and against external surface 168 of coupling element150 (FIGS. 8E and 8F). Protrusion 280 operates as a mechanical stopperso as to prevent coupling element 150 from being pulled out andfrontward of endoscope insertion tube 250, thereby preventing opticalassembly 100 from being pulled out and frontward of endoscope insertiontube 250.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A-9F, which are a simplified operationalillustration of the pulling element disengaged from the endoscopeinsertion tube, the coupling element and the optical assembly of FIGS.8A-8F, a simplified top view illustration, a simplified front viewillustration, a simplified side view illustration, a simplifiedsectional illustration taken along lines IXE-IXE in FIG. 9C and asimplified sectional illustration taken along lines IXF-IXF in FIG. 9C,respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 9A-9F, pulling element 200 is pulled frontward in thedirection indicated by arrow 300 and is removed from coupling element150 by release of internal surface 224 of base portion 202 of pullingelement 200 from protrusion 172 of coupling element 150. The pulling ofpulling element 150 may be performed by any suitable manner, typicallyby manual pulling performed by an operator, for example. Endoscopeinsertion tube 250 is shown to remain with coupling element 150 andoptical assembly 100 inserted therein, thereby defining an endoscopeinsertion assembly 302 operative to perform endoscopic operations.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-10E, which are a simplifiedoperational illustration of the endoscope insertion tube, the couplingelement and the optical assembly of FIGS. 9A-9F, a simplified front viewillustration, a simplified side view illustration, a simplifiedsectional illustration taken along lines XD-XD in FIG. 10B and asimplified sectional illustration taken along lines XE-XE in FIG. 10B,respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 10A-10E, upon exertion of force on wall 176 of couplingelement 150, in a rearward direction indicated by an arrow 304, couplingelement 150 is extracted from ring portion 260 of endoscope insertiontube 250 by release of recess 160 from O-ring 276. In FIGS. 10D and 10Ecoupling element 150 and optical assembly 100 inserted therein, areshown to be positioned within passageway 254 of tube portion 252 ofendoscope insertion tube 250. Exertion of force may be performed in anysuitable manner, typically by manual force exertion performed by anoperator, for example. Manual force exertion may be performed in anysuitable manner, such as by directly pressing wall 176 with a finger orwith the aid of a tool, such as a rod (not shown) with a diametersmaller than a cross section diameter of bore 272 of endoscope insertiontube 250.

Extraction of coupling element 150 and optical assembly 100 from ringportion 260 and eventually from endoscope insertion tube 250 (FIGS.11A-12E) is performed to remove optical assembly 100 from endoscopeinsertion tube 250 following endoscopic operation, for example, forallowing the use of optical assembly 100 in future endoscopic operationswhile endoscope insertion tube 250 may be discarded following a singleendoscopic operation or a few endoscopic operations.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-11E, which are a simplifiedoperational illustration of the endoscope insertion tube disengaged fromthe coupling element and the optical assembly of FIGS. 10A-10E, asimplified front view illustration, a simplified side view illustration,a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines XID-XID in FIG.11B and a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines XIE-XIE inFIG. 11B, respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

As seen in FIGS. 11A-11E, coupling element 150 and optical assembly 100are completely extracted from endoscope insertion tube 250.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-12E, which are a simplifiedoperational illustration of the coupling element disengaged from theoptical assembly of FIGS. 11A-11E, a simplified front view illustration,a simplified side view illustration, a simplified sectional illustrationtaken along lines XIID-XIID in FIG. 12B and a simplified sectionalillustration taken along lines XIIE-XIIE in FIG. 12B, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

As seen in FIGS. 12A-12E, upon exertion of force in a frontwarddirection indicated by arrow 300, coupling element 150 is removed fromoptical assembly 100 by release of protrusion 126 of optical assembly100 from recess 160 of coupling element 150. Following removal ofcoupling element 150 from optical assembly 100, optical assembly 100 isoperative to be used in future endoscopic operations. Coupling element150 may be discarded.

It is appreciated that during an endoscopic operation with endoscopeinsertion assembly 302, as described hereinabove, the optical assembly100 may remain isolated and separated from a body organ or a cavityundergoing an endoscopic operation and avoid contact with the bodyorgan, cavity, with other body fluids or with any fluids external to theendoscope insertion assembly. It is further appreciated that byreleasing optical assembly 100 from endoscope insertion tube 250 andcoupling element 150 as described hereinabove, optical assembly 100 mayremain clean and uncontaminated after the endoscopic operation.

It is yet appreciated that even in a case wherein optical assembly 100is contaminated and unclean, an assembly comprising the endoscopeinsertion assembly 302 with the coupling element 150, as describedhereinabove, prevents optical assembly 100 from contaminating the bodyorgan or cavity undergoing the endoscopic operation, due to theisolation of optical assembly 100 from the body organ or cavityundergoing the endoscopic operation.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed herein above. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as variations and modifications whichwould occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading thespecifications and which are not in the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for preparing an endoscope insertionassembly for performing endoscopy, comprising: providing said endoscopeinsertion assembly including an endoscope insertion tube operative forpassage through a body cavity, and an optical assembly operative forinspection of said body cavity; and selectably inserting said opticalassembly within said endoscope insertion tube.
 2. A method for preparingan endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according toclaim 1 and also comprising inspecting said body cavity employing saidendoscope insertion assembly.
 3. A method for preparing an endoscopeinsertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to claim 2 andalso comprising removing said optical assembly from said endoscopeinsertion tube following said inspection.
 4. A method for preparing anendoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to claim1 and also comprising engaging said optical assembly with said endoscopeinsertion tube by employing a coupling element.
 5. A method forpreparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopyaccording to claim 4 and wherein said inspecting said body cavity isperformed via an optical window.
 6. A method for preparing an endoscopeinsertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to claim 1 andalso comprising isolating said optical assembly from fluids external tosaid endoscope insertion assembly.
 7. A method for preparing anendoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to claim1 and wherein said inserting is performed by a pulling element operativefor selectably inserting said optical assembly within said endoscopeinsertion tube.
 8. A method for preparing an endoscope insertionassembly for performing endoscopy according to claim 7 and wherein saidpulling element is detachably engaged with said coupling element forselectable detachment therefrom.
 9. A method for preparing an endoscopeinsertion assembly for performing endoscopy according to claim 1 andalso comprising preventing said optical assembly from being pulled outand frontward of said endoscope insertion tube by employing a mechanicalstopper.